The round ligament supports the uterus and stretches during pregnancy. It connects the front portion of the uterus to the groin. These ligaments contract and relax like muscles, but much more slowly.

Any movement (including going from a sitting position to standing position quickly, laughing, or coughing) that stretches these ligaments, by making the ligaments contract quickly, can cause a woman to experience pain. Round ligament pain should only last for a few seconds.

• Rest is one of the best ways to help with this kind of pain.
• Changing positions slowly allows the ligaments to stretch more gradually and can help alleviate any pain.
• If you know that you are going to sneeze, cough, or laugh you can bend and flex your hips, which can reduce the pull on the ligaments.
• If you are having consistent round ligament pain your health care provider may recommend daily stretching exercises. The most common exercise is done by placing your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head to the floor, and keeping your bottom in the air.

• If the pain persists after resting, or it is accompanied by severe pain,
• If the pain is accompanied by any bleeding, cramping, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or change in vaginal discharge.